Zoonotic diseases of camel

Abstract

A diseased camel can transmit many infectious and parasitic diseases to human beings. This review describes important zoonotic diseases of camel and measures to safeguard the animal and public health. Diseases like camel pox, mange, anthrax, MERS coronavirus inection, rabies and leptospirosis can be transmitted by direct contact, aerosols, droplets, saliva or bite of the infected animal. Many diseases like brucellosis, tuberculosis, scarlet fever, diarrhea, dysentery, Q fever, typhoid and diphtheria can occur after consumption of unhygienic camel milk. Diseases like Cystic hydatidosis and toxoplasmosis is usually transmitted through infected camel meat. Camel-handlers, veterinarians and persons consuming camel milk and meat are therefore, at high risk if diseases transmission. Adoption of hygienic measures, consuming camel milk and meat after proper boling/cooking and treatment and prevention of camel from these zoonotic diseases through vaccination and treatment can help safeguarding human and animal health.